Murat Yakin relaxed over Granit Xhaka fitness for Switzerland duty | OneFootball

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is set to feature for Switzerland during the international break, with head coach Murat Yakin unconcerned about his fitness after a recent ankle setback, according to Blick.

Xhaka sat out five successive matches with the issue before returning to start the Black Cats' last two, including Sunday's 2-1 win at St James' Park against Newcastle United.

Yakin said he has been in close contact with his captain and is not worried, adding that they will agree together how many minutes he plays. Switzerland face Germany on Friday then travel to Norway on Tuesday.

If selected in both fixtures, Xhaka would move on to 145 senior caps. He debuted in 2011 and has worn the armband for the last eight years, scoring 16 goals.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has again underlined the midfielder's impact on Wearside, calling him a top-class addition who fits the club's identity. He highlighted Xhaka's commitment, his ability to knit play in and out of possession, and the demanding standards he sets for a young squad.

Source: Sunderland Echo